This document summarizes the field of accounting and provides advice for students considering accounting as a major. It discusses that accounting involves recording, summarizing, reporting and analyzing financial transactions. While it may be perceived as dull, the field has become increasingly complex and provides many career opportunities. The document recommends that students have strong math, communication, and problem-solving skills. It also stresses the importance of internships and gaining certifications to help find jobs and advance in the field.

1. From Student to Accounting Professional
By: Jacklyn Niece

2. Overview
By making this presentation, I hope to help put an end to the
stereotype that accounting is dull, tedious work where one
sits in a cubicle all day crunching numbers. I want to share
with you what accounting students should expect, and explain
why they have a bright future in business by choosing this
major.

3. What is Accounting?
Accounting is the art of
recording, summarizing, reporting, and analyzing
financial transactions. Accounting is generally
communicated in the form of financial statements, and
the art lies in selecting information for the client that is
relevant and reliable.

4. Students: Why Choose Accounting
“Accounting: The one degree with 360 degrees of possibilities.”
o The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 2011.

5. • Accounting is considered a
basic tool of business, and
therefore will open many
doors in the business field.
• This field has become
increasingly complex in
response to such changes as
frequently changing tax
laws, the computer
revolution, and the
globalization of business.

6. Before choosing this
major, prospective students
need to determine if they
have these necessary skills
and traits:
• Strong communication
skills, verbally and in writing.
• Have an aptitude for mathematics
(accountants are problem solvers!)
• A great sense of integrity
• Be detail-oriented

7. Communication is Key: The Perception Gap
Professionals want it, and students don’t realize it!
• Many accounting students do not realize how important communication
skills will be in the accounting profession. Very rarely will you ever be
working alone, but instead with clients, coworkers and management, and
must be able to communicate with them on a business level that is
productive.

8. Preparation
College preparation for the accounting degree and profession
includes:
• Take a co-op and practicum as an elective.
• Search for an internship—this can give you great experience and contacts
when job searching.
• Consider getting your CPA certification; this will open additional doors for
you.

9. Accountants help to sustain and grow a
business, not just to provide data.
“Accountants are at the decision making table and provide key
input into business strategy.”
o Jeannie Patton, vice president of Students, Academics and
Membership, AICPA.

10. Looking to the Future
“Accounting is the language of business, so it makes a great
entrée into a variety of career options.”
o Jeannie Patton, vice president of Students, Academics and
Membership, AICPA.

11. There are Four Major Fields of Accounting:
• Public Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Government Accounting
• Internal Auditing
o There are many specialized career options also, including
information technology, financial reporting, foreniscs and
fraud, and personal financial planning.

12. o AICPA. 2011. American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. Retrieved December 8, 2011, from
http://www.aicpa.org/Pages/Default.aspx.
o Bureau of Labor Statistics: U.S. Department of Labor. (2009).
Accountants and Auditors. Retrieved on December 8, 2011
from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm.
o Lin, P., Grace, D., Krishnun, S., & Gilsihrf, J. (2010). Failure to
communicate: why accounting students don’t measure up to
professionals’ expectations. The CPA Journal. Retrieved
December 8, 2011 from EBSCOhost.